Gina Heslop
Candace Cameron Bure recently voiced her strong disapproval of the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics, calling it “disgusting” for what she saw as a blasphemous representation of the Christian faith.
Known for her roles in “Full House” and “Fuller House,” Bure is a devout Christian and was particularly upset by a segment of the ceremony that appeared to mimic Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper.
Bure shared her thoughts on Instagram, expressing her sadness and anger over the depiction. She emphasized that while she respects the Olympics and knows several athletes personally, this year’s opening ceremony left her feeling deeply troubled. She mentioned that someone told her she should be mad rather than sad, and she agreed, stating, “Trust me. It makes me mad. But I’m more sad, because I’m sad for souls.”
In her message, Bure encouraged her followers not to get tired of doing good and to keep sharing the gospel. She stressed that it’s important to reach out not only to those who openly mock God but also to Christians who might be indifferent or lukewarm in their faith. She addressed those who prefer to stay quiet and avoid conflict, urging them to be more vocal about their beliefs.
Since posting her comments, Bure acknowledged that many people have tried to correct her interpretation of the ceremony. However, she remains unconvinced. She questioned how such a depiction relates to the unifying spirit of the Olympics and whether it is appropriate for children to watch. She reiterated her belief that the ceremony was offensive and did not align with the values of competitive sports.
In response to the backlash, Thomas Jolly, the artistic director for the ceremony, explained that there was no intention to mock or denigrate anyone. He clarified that the performance featured Dionysus, the god of celebration in Greek mythology, as part of a pagan celebration connected to the gods of Olympus. Jolly stated that he never aimed to disrespect any religious group.
Anne Descamps, a spokesperson for the 2024 Paris Olympics, also addressed the controversy. She apologized to those who were offended by the imagery, emphasizing that there was never an intention to show disrespect. Instead, she believed that the ceremony aimed to celebrate community and tolerance, and she felt that this goal was achieved.
Despite the explanations and apologies, Bure stands firm in her critique, maintaining that the ceremony was inappropriate and did not respect her faith.
